The writer whose works were the basis for FX's popular show "Justified " and several other movies and TV shows suffered a stroke in July. He was recovering at a Detroit-area hospital.

The 87-year-old Leonard was in the middle of his 46th novel. In November, Leonard received a Medal for Distinguished Contribution from the National Book Foundation, one of several honors to add to his mantelpiece. Other honors include a Peabody Award for the TV show "Justified," a Grand Master Edgar Award and a PEN Lifetime Achievement Award. He has published novels and short stories since 1953, starting with his book "The Bounty Hunters."

Several of Leonard's works have been adapted for TV and film, inspiring some of the industry's most notable directors, such as Quentin Tarantino ("Jackie Brown," an adaptation of the novel "Rum Punch") and Steven Soderbergh ("Out of Sight"). Currently, Leonard's character Raylan Givens --from the short story "Fire in the Hole" and the novels "Pronto," "Riding the Rap," and "Raylan" -- is the root of FX's series "Justified," which features Leonard's stylish, quotable writing and colorful characters.

Los Angeles Times writer Elizabeth Donnely contributed to this report.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Tuesday that he wants legislation on his desk by the end of the week to clarify that the state's new religious-freedom law does not allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.